Reptiles, Rodents & Small Pets

External parasites such as maggots are an annoyance for pet reptiles, but they also can carry diseases. The pests can harm reptiles by causing weakness and infection. Because a maggot infestation...

Boa constrictors are nocturnal reptiles that hunt at night using heat-sensitive scales. Their life expectancy is dependent on their habitat, diet and ability to evade predators.

Metabolic bone disease is a condition that affects certain reptiles. It is characterized by the weakening or thinning of bones as a result of poor calcium absorption. It can be a crippling...

Adopting a reptile is a wonderful way to add a pet to your family. Often, people allergic to dogs and cats may not have allergies to reptiles, making them an ideal choice as a pet. There are...

Reptiles are popular pets for those looking for something other than the run-of-the-mill cats, dogs or fish. Because of their delicate nature, being exothermic and often finicky eaters, they also...

The bacteria salmonella is carried by most reptiles, including geckos, and can be a threat to the health of people who handle them. But with simple precautions, the threat of salmonella can be...

Most reptiles, because they are cold-blooded, need a heat source in their aquariums. Lighting is an effective way to create this essential environment. While each species' lighting needs varies,...

The meal worm, also known as tenebrio molitor, is usually found in bran, such as oats and flour. They range in size from less than ¼ inch to a full inch. Although the meal worm is a creepy...

There is little evidence that PVC pipes are harmful to reptiles. In fact, many scientists and hobbyists who work with reptiles recommend PVC pipes as construction materials in reptile cages....

All animals shed their skin at regular intervals. Unlike mammals, which are constantly shedding their skin in small pieces, reptiles shed their skin in large pieces every few weeks or months. ...

Hot rocks are often used to keep lizards and snakes warm in captivity. Since they are cold-blooded animals, reptiles require outside sources of heat to regulate their body temperature. The use of...

Each of the 50 states enforce particular regulations for the ownership, handling and disposition of venomous reptiles, such as some snakes and lizards. Some species, such as endangered ones, may...

The Latin name for golden geckos is gekko ulikovskii. These reptiles require residing in warm, humid environments. A golden gecko pet can live in a 10-gallon aquarium with a temperature of 78 to...

Before acquiring a pet reptile, please do research on how large they get. Pet stores only sell young animals and many species of lizards, snakes and turtles will quickly outgrow these homes. Since...

Reptiles can be purchased in almost any major pet store or at reptile shows and expos. Private breeders also sell reptiles. With so many choices, wise reptile buyers will shop around to find...

Reptiles have been around for hundreds of millions of year. Their life spans can range from a few years to decades. The inception, hatching and maturing of a reptile depend on factors ranging from...

Keeping reptiles can be a rewarding experience for anyone interested in a pet that many consider unorthodox. However, due to their inherent fragility, they require a degree of skill of caring...

Turtles are a type of reptile. Unlike all other reptiles, turtles' soft bodies are covered in a shell for protection of the body. Turtles also differ from other reptiles because they have a beak...

According to petplace.com, reptiles have existed on Earth for over 300 million years, after first evolving during the during the Upper Carboniferous period. Since that time, over 8,000 types of...

As the destruction of the ecosystem continues and the size of habitats decrease, more and more lives of animals are put at risk, especially reptiles and amphibians. ScienceDaily.com says that...

Before deciding on bringing home a new reptile, several considerations must be taken, along with many preparations to ensure that your snake, lizard or turtle is introduced to a safe and adequate...

If you've ever had a pet reptile, like a bearded dragon or baby monitor, then chances are you've fed it a nice treat of either live or canned mealworms. You may have also encountered them in wild...

Reptiles may not be the most popular pet as many people consider them creepy, slimy, and absolutely frightening. But, they are found in the pet trade all across the country, in large cities and...

Many varieties of snakes can be kept as pets and each species has particular needs. Aesthetics are secondary to proper care. As long as the snake's needs are put first, the sky is the limit when...

Moving is one of the top 10 most stressful events in a person’s life- we can all agree on this fact. Wherever you go, your pet is part of the journey and is hopefully not lost, injured or stressed...

Reptiles are one of the fastest growing pets in the country, largely due to the fact that they have no dander to be allergic to such as those of furry pets. While many pet stores offer terrariums...

Keeping reptiles is a great alternative to larger animals like cats or dogs. Reptiles do not require nearly as much maintenance and can be kept in a terrarium cage. Here's how to make a basic...

Reptiles as pets? I know, it is very interesting. However, I would like to share a few things with you as you seek to take care of your reptilian pet.

Blue belly lizards are interesting members of the reptile family. They're bright and colorful on their undersides--and very fast. Despite this often vivid belly coloring, their backs are typically...

Reptiles are often kept as pets because they do not smell bad and they are quiet. Common pets include turtles, snakes and iguanas. You can purchase reptiles from breeders as well as from local pet...

When it comes to feeding your pet reptile, one of the best forms of food is the cricket. You can easily find crickets in any pet store. They provide both the nutrition and stimulation needed to...

Reptiles may not be as fluffy and fun to play with as a dog or cat, but they can still be loveable and fascinating pets to keep in your home. The type of reptile cage or tank that you purchase for...

Most iguanas do not tame very well as they don't like to be disturbed or handled, but some iguanas can be tamed by being fed by hand from an early age. Find out why many people don't like the...

The largest lizard in the world is the Komodo dragon, which lives on several islands in Indonesia and averages 8 to 10 feet in length. Learn about the heavy body weight of Komodo dragons, which...

In order to catch a lizard, a person should be gentle, and oftentimes researchers catch lizards by using long bamboo poles with nooses at the end. Discover why a person shouldn't grab hold of a...

When buying a turtle, mud turtles, musk turtles and painted turtles make great pets. Learn how to buy a turtle with expert tips from of in this free video about reptiles.

Before buying a turtle terrarium, know the species of pet turtles. Find out how to buy turtle terrarium with expert tips from an a pet store owner in this free video about reptiles.

To care for red slider, keep them outside in the backyard. Discover how to care for red slider pet turtles with expert tips from a pet store owner in this free video about reptiles.

To properly care for tortoises, make sure to check the tortoise species before feeding it. Learn to care for tortoises with expert tips from a pet store owner in this free video about reptiles.

New Guinea snapping turtles have bony carapaces that are made into elaborate ceremonial masks in the villages of New Guinea. Discover facts about New Guinea snapping turtles with information from...

The twist-necked turtle has a carapace that is composed of about 50 bones. Discover facts about twist-necked turtles with information from a published biologist in this free video on turtles and...

Dwarf caimans are found in cool, fast flowing forest streams and rivers. Discover facts about dwarf caimans with information from a published biologist in this free video on crocodilian reptiles.

Leopard geckos live in deserts and grasslands, and have movable eyelids. Discover facts about leopard geckos with information from a published biologist in this free video on lizards and reptiles.

The Malaysian giant turtle is found in large bodies of fresh water. Discover facts about Malaysian giant turtles with information from a published biologist in this free video on turtles and reptiles.

Ball pythons are a small species and the adults can live to about 20 years. Discover facts about ball pythons with information from a published biologist in this free video on snake identification...

Asian box turtles are recognized by their dark olive or brown-colored heads. Discover facts about Asian box turtles with information from a published biologist in this free video on turtles and...

Common musk turtles have habitats that include permanent bodies of water. Discover facts about common musk turtles with information from a published biologist in this free video on turtles and...

The brown anole is an invasive species of lizard with very long claws. Discover facts about brown anoles with information from a published biologist in this free video on lizards and reptiles.

Red-eared sliders are freshwater turtles found all over the United States. Discover facts about red-eared sliders with information from a published biologist in this free video on turtles and...

The common snapping turtle often inhabits water with muddy bottoms that are better for hiding. Discover facts about common snapping turtles with information from a published biologist in this free...